Grammy Award-winning Doug Beavers is of the stature of NYC’s top jazz aficionados who fearlessly push the boundaries of the genre itself. Beavers was an ace trombonist for Eddie Palmieri’s “La Perfecta” band and the current lead trombonist for the Spanish Harlem Orchestra. On his forthcoming new full-length studio album, Sol, Beavers steps into the spotlight like never before.
Sol showcases a dozen original compositions featuring special guests Joe Locke (Kenny Barron, Eddie Henderson) on vibraphone, vocalist Ada Dyer (Chaka Khan, Roberta Flack), Latin jazz vocal sensation Jeremy Bosch (Spanish Harlem Orchestra), and Robby Ameen (Ruben Blades, Dizzy Gillespie) on drums.
Recorded in New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic, Doug Beavers sought to produce an empowering album to help rekindle connections and return to values centered around kindness and compassion. At the heart of Sol, he revisits the sounds of the 1970s when addictive bass riffs, sophisticated horn arrangements, and African rhythms dominated the charts. It wouldn’t be a Beavers recording though if it didn’t have a powerful punch of Latin jazz and the best salsa players/singers NYC has to offer performing on the tracks. Hence, Sol dives deep into an organic alchemy of salsa, jazz, and R&B.
“It was the vibe of the sun telling me everything is going to be OK. I just took my score paper and the music immediately started pouring out,” Doug Beavers recalls. “You know, we’ve all been through a lot in 2020, and I wanted to record a New York album that uplifts people and puts smiles on their faces. I know that sunshine has that natural effect on me, thus I named the album, Sol.”
Sol is set for international release on Friday, December 4, on Circle 9, a brand new subscriber-supported independent record label, recently launched by Doug Beavers.
When talking about the significant birthdays in hip hop, few mean more to the genre than Jay-Z’s. The Brooklyn-bred mogul has turned modest beginnings into a billion-dollar empire while doubling as one of the world’s most popular and influential entertainers. A product of Brooklyn’s Marcy projects, Hov has found success by being a forward thinker and staying ahead of the curve, something he has no problem reminding peers and fans alike. After all, who else could serve as Hip Hop’s “Big Brother?” So, as we wish him a happy 51st birthday, here are the top Jay-Z songs where he lets you know that he sets the trends, we just follow.
Imaginary Players
The fourth track off of his sophomore album, In My Lifetime, Vol. 1, “Imaginary Players” has stood the test of time as one of the premier “sh** talking” records in Hip Hop history. Hov spends nearly four-minutes reminding rappers that their records don’t sell as well as his, they’re not as fly as him and their money simply doesn’t stack up. As part of his earlier discography, it’s always fun to hear Jay – Z brag about cars, money and jewelry before his ascension to mogul status. The intro alone sets the tone for the whole record.
I gotta be like the pioneer to this sh**, you know I was popping that Cristal When all y’all n***** thought it was beer and sh**, you know Wearing that platinum sh** When all y’all chicks thought it was silver and sh** I gotta really be the pioneer of this sh** Bottom line
30 Something
This is an interesting part of Jay – Z’s career. Hip Hop has always been driven by the youth, yet on this record, a 35-year-old Jay tried to convince the world that all the youthful materialism (rims, jewelry, gunplay) that had been a part of the rap culture for decades was now irrelevant.
I’m young enough to know the right car to buy Yet grown enough not to put rims on it I got that six-deuce with curtains so you can’t see me And I didn’t even have to put tints on it I don’t got the bright watch, I got the right watch I don’t buy out the bar, I bought the night spot I got the right stock I got stockbrokers that’s movin’ it like white tops
It was certainly gaudy of him to believe that he could single handedly shift hip hop’s culture to fit where he was at in his own life. But, the fact that he was able to turn this train of thought into an entire album — Kingdom Come — and not get ridiculed is impressive in itself.
On to the Next One
https://youtu.be/AQY7hivw67Q
One of the lead singles off of 2009’s The Blueprint 3 album, this record continues the trend of Jay – Z letting rappers know that they simply do not have the connections that he does, so the moves he make will always be of a higher plateau. The Swizz Beats assisted record sees Hov double down on his new way of thought, letting listeners know that he’s only moving forward and since he’s used to setting trends, this would just be another one that the masses would eventually follow.
I had Oprah chillin’ in the projects, Had her out in Bed Stuy chillin’ on the steps, Drinking quarter waters I gotta be the best, M-J at Summerjam, Obama on the text, Y’all should be afraid of what I’m gonna do next.
He also continues his hilarious vendetta against throwback jerseys, which have been and always will be a staple of Hip Hop culture.
Used to rock a throwback, balling on the corner Now I rock a teller suit, looking like a owner
U Don’t Know
One of the very best records from one of the best album’s in Jay – Z’s discography, “U Don’t Know” is the 6th track off of the original Blueprint album. The record serves as a reminder that Jay – Z’s business acumen was crafted from his time on the street. Backed by thumping drums and horns, Hov reminds everyone that if he’s nothing else, he’ll always be a hustler. From selling crack cocaine, to records, to clothing, he’ll always find a way to remain on top.
I sell ice in the winter, I sell fire in hell I am a hustler baby, I’ll sell water to a well
His ambition alone should serve as motivation.
Could make 40 off a brick but one rhyme could beat that And if somebody would of told ’em that Hov’ would sell clothing Heh, not in this lifetime, wasn’t in my right mind That’s another difference that’s between me and them Heh, I’m smarten up, open the market up
Otis
I invented swag
One of the very best songs of 2011, “Otis” is titled after legendary soul singer Otis Redding because of the heavy sampling of his voice throughout. But make no mistake, this song is 2:58 of unabashed braggadocio. The opening line sets the tone and from there on Hov and ‘Ye take turns letting us know that they’re the hottest sh** out and the biggest trendsetters in the game (and who would argue?).
I made “Jesus Walks” I’m never going to Hell Couture level flow, it’s never going on sale Luxury rap, the Hermes of verses Sophisticated ignorance, write my curses in cursive I get it custom, you a customer You ain’t customed to going through customs You ain’t been nowhere, huh?
After years of turning up his nose at those who would brag about women, cars and jewelry, Jay – Z sounded rejuvenated on this record.
Poppin’ bottles, puttin’ supermodels in the cab, proof I guess I got my swagger back, truth New watch alert, Hublot’s Or the big face Rollie I got two of those Arm out the window through the city I maneuver slow Cock back, snap back See my cut through the holes
We don’t know if Jay – Z will release anymore music, but his historic longevity has allowed us to see the maturation of the most influential figure out of New York City and for that, we can be grateful. While a few of these attempts at leading the charge have been hilariously head scratching, the impact, innovation and hustler’s mentality is something to be revered. Happy Birthday Hova!
Oak & Ash, an alternative rock band from New York today release “New World,” their first single in over three years. With a relevant message of change and hope for better days to come, “New World” is a motivational anthem for everyone who strives to build a better and more accepting world.
“New World” was written for people who are acknowledging today’s mistakes, with a reminder that although the world we live in is full of love, kindness, generosity, and beauty, it has yet to grow out of hate, inequality, injustice, and fear. There is still work to be done in order to eradicate these major issues, but in order to do so, we have to come together.
Produced by multi-Grammy award-winning producer/ engineer, Jacquire King (Kings of Leon, Modest Mouse), “New World” maintains the energy of a live band with added support from Moon Taxi’s Spencer Thomson who adds a layer of synthetic production work to the track.
Oak & Ash captured the energy they bring to live shows and with help from Jacquire, the band was able to continue to spotlight vocals and instruments and stay true to their original sound. The band had been focusing on live performances since their last release and then hit pause due to the pandemic.
Oak & Ash is Rich Tuorto (vocals, guitarist, keyboardist), Chris Tuorto (guitarist), Paul Gramigna (bassist), and Bryan Garbe (drummer). The band got thier start in New York City in 2014 when the Tuorto cousins and long-time friend, Paul, decided to join forces and they haven’t looked back since. Their debut EP, “Slightly Reckless,” was released in 2015 and singles “Step into the Light” and “For You” follwed in 2017. They also celebrated a career-defining moment in March 2017, opening for Bon Jovi at Madison Square Garden.
As Lespecial points out regarding their third full-length album, Ancient Homies, the number three figures prominently into the band’s ethos – for instance, as a power trio and with their tri-face logo.
The new album also features three “Homie Improvs” (incidentally, tracks 3, 6 and 9) whose musical scale “is based around an unstable tonic, containing small chromatic groupings of three notes and has a cryptic, ambiguous and almost mystical quality.” These tracks feature all three members flexing their chops and stretching in new ways: Luke Bemand (bass, synth, samples), Rory Dolan (drums, sampler) and Jonny Grusauskas (guitar, keys, sampler, vocals).
Interspersing the Homie interludes as they do throughout Ancient Homies also has the effect of pairing the remaining eight songs with each other. The track list born from that decision just flows excellently.
The first couplet pairs the album’s first single “Snell’s Fleet” with a new remix of the long standing fan favorite “The Vessel.” At Lespecial’s October 9, 2020 drive-in show in Falmouth, MA, they opened the second set with this one-two punch and it was breathtaking. “Snell’s Fleet” evokes that timeless, mystical quality the band is known for. Up tempo with heavy, scuzzy guitar riffs, driving bass line and bombastic drum play, “Snell’s Fleet” crashes right into track two. “The Vessel” then shifts gears into a much more futuristic vibe. The combination of synth bounce, driving drums and funky bass can move an entire room, pulsing and pumping in a great wave. “The Vessel” debuted live onstage in 2012 and has finally found its way to vinyl.
The second grouping of songs, at first glance, appear to be the most curious on the album in that the songs are quite dissimilar. “Repeater” slows down the tempo and features lilting, ethereal vocals. The synth work drives the song forward, but has an altogether different feel to it than most of Lespecial’s music to date. And Rory’s fast, frenetic drumming in latter portion of the song is pure magic. Bringing us right into “Tonberry,” which made its live debut at Lespectacle IX in November 2019. Starting with a slow building eeriness that explodes into thunder around the one minute mark, then into the scale bending this album explores in the following passage. Around the halfway point of the song, Lespecial brings us into a funky, groovy movement and then circles right back to bombastic fury that bring the song home.
The next pairing is a synth heavy, fun filled duo. “Machine Elf” bounces back to futuristic sound that grooves with Luke’s bass tones anchoring things. Released as a single in January 2019, it slides perfectly right into this slot on the album. The latter half of this pairing is “Egg Time” and it wastes little time grinding into the funkiest, filthiest groove. Impossible to sit still to, this one is going to be a staple of Lespecial set lists for years to come. An instant classic.
The final pairing of songs on the album are quite engrossing, and will be unexpected to many fans. “Boundary Dissolution” slows things down again. With a more stripped down arrangement and hauntingly introspective vocals from Jonny, this one stays with the listener long after it ends. And “Tritome” (yet another “three”) features beautiful piano work from Jonny that reprises “Snell’s Fleet,” ending this amazing album with a wow.
Lespecial really delivers on the promise of adventure and exploration here. It feels like the band is still growing and defining who they are. It is a pleasure to witness their evolution. Ancient Homies is hands down my favorite release of 2020. Give it a listen and see what you think.
Key Tracks: Snell’s Fleet, Tonberry, Egg Time
Ancient Homies is available for purchase on Bandcamp and for streaming on all platforms.
The Albany Symphony announced that their world premier recording of Christopher Theofanidis‘ Concerto for Viola and Chamber Orchestra has been nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Classical Instrumental Solo category. The Concerto was recorded on January 8, 2018 at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall and released by Albany Records. This is the fifth Grammy Nomination in seven years for the Albany Symphony.
“We are thrilled to receive this nomination, which brings attention to Christopher Theofanidis’ magnificent concerto, inspired by Navajo poetry,” said Music Director David Alan Miller. “It’s not every day that a viola concerto gets recognized, but this is arguably the finest concerto for the instrument written in many years. We are so grateful to Richard O’Neill, our astounding viola soloist, and to Silas Brown, our extraordinary producer and engineer. I deeply appreciate the work of our brilliant Albany Symphony musicians. Thanks also to our staff, board and friends at Albany Records, and to all our supporters.”
Composer Christopher Theofanidis also expressed his appreciation. “I was so delighted to receive the news. Richard put so much of himself into the performances and recording of the concerto, and David Alan Miller and the Albany Symphony’s commitment to excellence doing new work shines through in this announcement. It is an honor to have the piece nominated,” he said.
Portrait of Christopher Theofanidis
The Concerto for Viola and Chamber Orchestra was originally written for Kim Kashkashian who sent Theofanidis a collection of Navajo poems that were wildly different in character but had in common a supernatural sense of nature and an extremely evocative vocabulary. Each of the four movements is serious in sentiment, in turns foreboding and volatile, melancholic and questioning, lyrical and dramatic. Theofanidis wrote this work during the tragedy and turmoil of 9/11, starting the piece before and finishing it afterward, and was influenced by being in midtown Manhattan that day.
Viola soloist Richard O’Neill said, “In this dark time for musicians the world over, to receive this nomination for Chris’ moving and important work brought me to tears. David’s vision and unstoppable energy, the beautiful musicians of the Albany Symphony, and the great work of Silas Brown; these forces came together to create a dream team the envy of any musician. I am so incredibly lucky to have such friends and colleagues. In the absence of live performance throughout the US, I hope this recording can give comfort and joy to all that listen.”
The Albany Symphony recording of John Corigliano’s Conjurer with world-famous percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie won the 2013 GRAMMY for Best Classical Instrumental Solo. The Albany Symphony was then nominated in 2015 and twice in 2019.
Sci-fi Middle Eastern Prog Rockers Consider the Source have announced their “Hero Squad” New Year’s Run over December 28-31, 2020.
CTS will wrap up 2020 with four limited seating, socially distant shows, which will culminate with two nights at The Stone Church in New Hampshire. The venues for all four shows have been following safety protocols with success and the band currently feels they are adequate spaces to perform.
Fans are asked to adhere to any ground rules laid out by the venue and respect the band, audience, and staff’s space. Some venues may require the purchase of an entire table, as all shows are operating as seated shows with reduced capacities set by the venues. Please refer to venue websites for all show info. Tickets are on sale now for the Consider the Source Hero Squad New Year’s Run.
12/28 Jergel’s – Pittsburgh, PA 12/29 Baltimore Soundstage – Baltimore, MD 12/30 The Stone Church – Newmarket, NH 12/31 The Stone Church – Newmarket, NH SOLD OUT
The SAMMYS (Syracuse Area Music Awards) announce their submissions opening for 2021 awards show. The call goes out to local musicians, bands, and artists encouraging them to submit their 2020 commercially available recordings for consideration before January 6, 2021.
The Syracuse Area Music Awards show celebrities local music to the Syracuse area. It’s become a beloved staple to Syracuse and the surrounding areas. Artists interested in entering for consideration must select one category they wish to be judged in. Only commercially released albums or EPs, released between January 1 – December 31, 2020 by artists in the Syracuse area are eligible for the 2021 SAMMYS. All entries must be available on Apple Music, Spotify or Tidal and no physical recordings will be accepted this year. Categories subject to change at the discretion of the judges. The entry form is now available here: syracuseareamusic.com/submissions and must be submitted by January 6, 2021.
The 2021 SAMMYS will take place on March 5, 2021 and will be streamed live for free and live from SubCat Studios. The awards show will include musical performances by area artists/bands. Awards will be presented in 12 recording categories, in addition to the People’s Choice awards in four categories, Brian Bourke Award for Best New Artist, Jack O Bocchino Spirit of the SAMMYS Award, and our Community Spirit Award.
The SAMMYS wouldn’t be possible without the help of its many sponsors. The 2021 supporting sponsors include: The Rebel Rocks, Bridge Street, SubCat Music Studios, CNY Alive!, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, KMASE Productions, Joshua Johnson Design, Skinner & Associates Realty, 315 Music, American Vintage Productions, NYS Music, News Channel 9, 95X, 93Q, and 92.1 The WOLF.
For more information on the SAMMYs and the 2021 submission process visit their website here or follow the Syracuse Area Music Awards on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Wu Tang Clan released “Hi,” a new single alongside Texas, on Tuesday, December 1.
Recognized as one of the pioneers of the grimy, raw, hard-nosed sound, Wu Tang Clan’s status as international stars is not to be underestimated. They were synonymous with New York for almost three-decades. Their reputation as one of the most influential factions in Hip Hop history has seen their popularity soar in nations throughout the world, one being Scotland.
It was February 9, 1998, when Clan members Method Man and RZA joined Scottish pop-rock outfit, Texas, on stage at the Brit Awards in London. The two factions were performing the remix to the latter’s top 10 UK charting single, “Say What you Want.” Now, over twenty years later, the two groups have collaborated on another trans-cultural record, “Hi.”
Featuring RZA, Ghostface Killah and with vocals from Sharleen Spiteri, the record came about during RZA’s time in Glasgow. Whilst the Clan head honcho was filming a documentary, he connected with Spiteri and subsequently contributed a verse the Wu Tang Clan track, “Hi.”
A fast-paced alternative record, the music video opens up with Top Boy actor, Kadeem Ramsay, watching footage of their iconic performance at the Brit Awards. The television then segues into a more recent interview between RZA and Spiteri in which they discuss their yearn to work together again. Ramsay’s character is a super-fan of the two groups, as his room is filled with posters, memorabilia, as well as a shirt with a picture from the 1998 Brit Awards plastered on it.
Throughout the Wu Tang Clan “Hi” music video, he is seen performing routine tasks such as; picking out an outfit, driving his car and getting a tattoo. It is revealed that he kidnapped Spiteri in an attempt to get the two groups to collaborate once again. Spiteri responds by facetiming RZA, and after a short conversation, he obliges to the request. Spiteri and Ramsay then share a smoke, as she lightly ridicules his poor attempt at tying her up.
Hanukkah is right around the corner and folk-rock Rabbi Gedalya has released “The Lesson of the Flame,” a musical reflection on the need for positive spirituality during difficult situations.
With a spiritual message that is universal, “The Lesson of the Flame” reflects Gedalya’s faith. “Finding ways to get through hardship is central to religion,” says Gedalya, “and I wanted this song to reflect the powerful combination of faith and positivity.”
It’s my first time writing a holiday song, or even writing a song directly about Judaism, for that matter. Even though I wrote the song with the holiday season in mind, it’s about more than just the annual celebration. I wanted to convey the power in continuity and history. This Hanukkah, many of us are experiencing a year of tragedies, but by learning from tradition and remaining faithful we can find better times. I tried to reflect that in ‘The Lesson of the Flame.’
Gedalya
The roots of ‘the flame’ in this case connects to the lighting of the Hanukkah menorah, and the lesson that comes from the eight-day holiday. Jewish men fought against the Greeks around 165 BCE, thus preserving their belief in the Torah. This self-sacrifice merited a miracle which revealed to them divine assistance; thus future generations now have this lesson to remember that even in the darkest of times, we are all capable of receiving divine assistance, especially when putting in effort to see through lies and seek the truth.
The song speaks directly to the power of positivity, especially during times of tribulation.
Finding yourself can be a challenge, especially when times are difficult. This year especially I have seen so many struggle with what is happening in the world. I wanted to make sure they heard a positive message for the holiday, but also I wanted anyone that hears the song to feel – deep down – that their situation can also get better. Now is the time to look inward to find the strength to make it to those better times.
Gedalya
The message of the song is not inherent to a particular faith, but rather speaks to a state of being. Framing ones mind that allows light to enter the darkness and appreciate the blessings of life.
Spotify and NIVA (National Independent Venue Association) announced their partnership on Spotifiy’s annual Wrapped Campaign to help preserve independent stages across the United States on December 1, 2020.
Photo Courtesy of NIVA/Spotify.
The annual Spotify/NIVA Wrapped Campaign unveiled the top artists, albums, songs, playlists and podcasts that more than 320 million people around the world listened to and discovered audio this year. This year’s Wrapped Campaign will be a little different. Spotify will be in partnership with NIVA this year trying to bring light to the detrimental state live independent venues are experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Photo Courtesy of NIVA/Spotify.
Stephen Sternshein, co-founder / treasurer of NIVA, and managing partner of Heard Presents in Austin spoke on the partnership saying, “As 2020 draws to a close, the live music industry enters month nine of no shows, no income, no federal support, and ever-mounting debts. Music is what connects us all – as Spotify shows us, it’s what helped our friends, our families and our communities get through this tumultuous year.”
Photo Courtesy of NIVA/Spotify.
Spotify is attempting to help support these independent venues by trying to shine a light on their plight by taking over space on the marquees of more than 30 COVID-shuttered music venues and donating a total of $500,000 to those stages and the NIVA Emergency Relief Fund. So far the announced artist and venue and artist pairs include Alicia Keys at the Riverside Theater, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lady Gaga at the The Ritz Ybor in Tampa Florida, Childish Gambino at the The Aladdin in Portland, Oregon, The Weeknd at the The Orange Peel, in Asheville, Tennessee, and Jessie Ware at the Center Stage, in Atlanta Georgia. The partnership will be rolled out across the next few weeks announcing more artists and venues.
Photo Courtesy of NIVA/Spotify.
“In a year that has taken on so many twists and turns, a first reaction might be to look forward and forget the challenging times. However, that would discount all of the amazing work that creators, fans, venues and activists have poured their hearts into this year,” said Dan Brill, Global Group Creative Director at Spotify. “That’s why, instead of turning our backs on 2020, we wanted to give our appreciation for those who gave us hope — the people who, despite challenging circumstances, found ways to infuse magic into our world and give us hope for a better tomorrow.”
Photo Courtesy of NIVA/Spotify.
For more information on NIVA and their mission with Save Our Stages visit their website.
